Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)

Over the past year, #Poland has taken important steps toward depoliticising its media landscape. The MFRR Mission Report 2024 offers a thorough analysis of the progress, as well as the critical challenges that remain. Progress made: 📌 Public service media are moving away from political propaganda. 📌 Vexatious SLAPP lawsuits are on the decline. 📌 Media pluralism is improving, with increased transparency in ownership. Ongoing challenges: ❌The National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) continues to act under political influence. ❌Local independent media face financial struggles and unfair competition. ❌Public media remain financially unstable. The report outlines reforms to align Poland with the European Media Freedom Act, addressing areas like public service media governance, state advertising distribution, and SLAPP legislation. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/evjCCzfU

📢 Today, MFRR partners begin our press freedom mission in #Slovakia. With growing concerns over media capture, SLAPP lawsuits, and the safety of journalists, we are here to support independent media and press freedom. Over the next two days, we will engage with stakeholders, document challenges, and provide recommendations to protect freedom of expression. Stay tuned for updates and our press conference on 26 November. https://lnkd.in/ea7Kgbcm

In our recent webinar "Beyond Borders: Temporary Relocation Programmes for Journalists at Risk", experts from ECPMF, Justice and Peace Netherlands, ICORN, and CAHR shared their strategies for protecting media workers in danger. From providing safe havens to offering new opportunities, this session is a must-watch for anyone interested in applying for a temporary relocation. 🎥 Watch it now on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ge8cftcw

The MFRR partners condemn the €3.3M SLAPP lawsuit filed against Reporters United and EfSyn journalists, who revealed the #Predator spyware scandal. Such legal harassment, designed to silence critical reporting, has no place in a democracy. We call on Greek institutions to implement strong protections for journalists and urgently adopt anti-SLAPP legislation. https://lnkd.in/ecPqFaaP

V dňoch 25.-26.novembra 2024 partneri projektu Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) uskutočnia solidárnu a zisťovaciu misiu na Slovensko s cieľom posúdiť stav slobody tlače a ďalších obmedzovaní slobody prejavu. Keďže ochrana slobody prejavu sa zhoršuje na kritickú úroveň, misia prejaví solidaritu s nezávislými médiami a vyzve orgány na Slovensku, aby sa zdržali verbálnych a právnych útokov na ne. Okrem toho pripomenie vláde jej povinnosť vyplývajúcu z medzinárodného práva vytvoriť priaznivé prostredie, v ktorom môžu novinári pracovať slobodne a bez obáv z odvety. https://lnkd.in/ea7Kgbcm

🚨 Today is the day! At 12:00 CET, we are hosting our webinar “Beyond Borders: Temporary Relocation Programmes for Journalists at Risk.” Hear from leading experts at ECPMF, Justice and Peace, ICORN, and CAHR about how they support and protect journalists facing threats. Don’t miss this important discussion on how these programmes are defending press freedom across the globe. There’s still time to register. See you there! https://lnkd.in/gRH7jq88

The MFRR partners are conducting a two-day mission to #Slovakia (25–26 November) to address the growing threats to media independence. From public broadcaster interference to SLAPP lawsuits and impunity for crimes against journalists, our delegation will engage with stakeholders to find solutions. For further information about our press conference, contact Teona Sekhniashvili at tsekhniashvili@ipi.media or Ronja Koskinen at rkoskinen@ipi.media. https://lnkd.in/ea7Kgbcm

📰 "Sweden ranks high in press freedom, but journalists face rising threats online and offline." Hear from Eric Larsson of Reporters Without Borders Sweden in our latest interview on the urgent need for safety and support in journalism. Watch now: https://lnkd.in/eXRW5SCQ

How can we safeguard journalists who are at risk due to their work? Temporary relocation programmes are a powerful solution. On 21 November at 12:00 CET, we are hosting a webinar featuring speakers from leading organisations: ECPMF, Justice and Peace, ICORN, and CAHR. They’ll share how their programmes provide safety and new opportunities for journalists under threat, ensuring that media workers can continue to inform and challenge the world, even in the face of danger. Reserve your spot! https://lnkd.in/gRH7jq88

Since the war began, at least 13 journalists have been killed, and many more endure threats, imprisonment, and digital attacks. 1000 days into Russia’s invasion, we highlight their courage and resilience, and call for continued global support. MFRR partners express deep solidarity with all journalists working in Ukraine and demand accountability for these egregious assaults on media freedom. https://lnkd.in/etgrXrCi